Over 61 thousand people packed the "Philip II" National Arena in Skopje to attend the musical spectacle on the occasion of the Independence Day, which saw superb performances by Macedonian and Balkan pop stars.

The concert dubbed 'Macedonian Heart Beats in 7/8' - which also served as a promotion of the latest album by jazz musicians Tavitjan Brothers - was organised by the Government as a central manifestation marking September 8.

At the spectacular concert, which was attended by top state officials - President Gjorge Ivanov, PM Nikola Gruevski, Parliament Speaker Trajko Veljanoski, etc. - Garo Tavitjan Jr thanked the Government and the Ministry of Culture for supporting their project aimed at preserving traditional values, identity and culture.

"The timeless music and culture created here are a proof that Macedonia is and will be everlasting. This evening, each and every one of us from various nations and cultures will be Macedonian," said Tavitjan.

The performance by opera singer Igor Durlovski of the national anthem opened the concert. Spectators saw the marvelous performances by Josipa Lisac, Zeljko Bebek, Hari Varesanovic, Aleksandra Radovic, Boris Novkovic, Nina Badric, Tereza Kesovija, Dado Topic, Aki Rahimovski, Goran Karan, Sergej Cetkovic, Jelena Tomasevic, Antonija Sola, Kaliopi Bukle, Esma Redzepova, Karolina Goceva, Miki Jovanovski Dzafer, Risto Samardziev, Vlatko Lozanovski, Vlado Janevski and Oliver Mandic.

The concert, which ended with fireworks, was broadcast by the Macedonian Radio Television. All ticket sales will be donated to charity.

The Government earmarked EUR58,000 in support of the event.